By Bogdan Zoltan- Aug 17,2015
The “ultimate American muscle car” is back in convertible form.
A few months ago Galpin Auto Sports – also known as GAS for some of the Pimp My Ride TV show fans – presented a bespoke, production-ready, totally-bonkers, 5.0-liter supercharged V8 Mustang, designed by pen-maestro Henrik Fisker.
Named the Rocket, the car took the motoring world by storm, with lots of positive feedback ever since it was officially unveiled at the LA Auto Show. I mean, who would have expected a Fisker-designed coachbuilt Ford Mustang with 725 horses on tap?
Now, at Pebble Beach, the guys just unveiled the Rocket Speedster – the Rocket’s latest topless iteration. Mind you, this car is much more than a drop-top Ford Mustang with the same Galpin-Fisker bespoke treatment. In fact, the car is completely new and comes with its own unique traits and elements.
Although it has a carbon fiber body, just like the coupe variant, it also sports a carbon fiber speedster cover, that transforms the Mustang’s 4-seater convertible layout into a genuine 2-seater speedster. As with the “normal” version (if you can call it that), this particular model carries a carbon-fiber hood that feeds air into the supercharged 725hp V8 engine through the sculpted air intakes, maintaining optimal cooling and aerodynamics along with the grille and front splitter.
The vehicle was handcrafted by GFMI Metalcrafters and it features a plethora of aerodynamic elements designed to channel air in key areas in order to aid cooling and provide downforce. The whole rig was inspired by the 1960s and early 1970s pony cars. Moreover, its bespoke carbon-fiber body is sculpted to accentuate the convertible’s aggressive muscular proportions.
Fisker’s design perfectly suits the car and offers the Mustang an exquisite coachwork alternative. The model was featured as one of only a few special designer cars in front of the lodge at Pebble beach and here’s what Beau Boeckmann, President of Galpin Motors had to say:
“Henrik’s original design sketches for the Rocket gave me chills and the convertible is no different. This Speedster Concept has added another layer of style to the car without losing an ounce of the incredible beauty of the coupe. It really has been a dream collaboration, combining Henrik’s design execution with the performance and customization expertise of the Galpin Auto Sports team.”
Although this particular red, menacing looking example is a concept, Galpin says that the Rocket Speedster is intented for low-volume production. The price hasn’t been disclosed, but the coupe variant sells for about $109,000.
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